The parents and sister of a Bristol teenager who died of meningitis have paid tribute to a son and brother who grew up from a mischievous boy into a confident young man.

George Zographou was only 18 years old when he died in hospital two weeks ago, on August 16.

The teenager, who grew up in Westbury-on-Trym, was at the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, Cornwall, when he fell ill on the previous Friday. He was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, where he died a day before he was due to collect his A-level results.

His family has now opened up to share their memories of a boy who had the world at his feet.

Growing up in Bristol, George went to Elmlea Primary School, before moving on to Bristol Grammar School and Colston’s School.

“He was very cheeky and a little bit naughty when he was younger,” she said. “He had me wrapped around his finger, he could make me do absolutely anything for him. When he was younger, he would ask me for something, I would say no, and he would just look at me, and I’d do it. There were so many things to love about George.”

George's sister Nicole, who is 10 years older, said: “I admired him when he was first born. I had begged my parents for a little brother, but they were worried about the age difference. I remember when my mum told me she was pregnant, I was just so happy.

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“We have so much love to give, and we have to channel that somewhere else now. It’s very tough.”

Andrew added: “He was the big boy in my life, and part of me died with him. We've got Nicole to look after and we love her very much.

“But part of you dies when a child dies and nothing will ever bring it back.”

He excelled at sports (Image: DE Photo)

Nicole added: “I feel like I’m going crazy. I’ve thrown myself into the funeral planning and got completely immersed in it and that’s a distraction.

“But then you realise what you’re doing, and it hits you.”

George had such an impact on his family and friends, leaving a lasting impression on the people in his life. From friends to family, he became the big friendly giant many came to know, love and depend on.

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“He was the perfect son for me. He did all the right things, he was kind and the house was never quiet when he was around,” Andrew said. “I’m very proud of him and the man he turned into.”

Elaine added: “He had been really happy the last two years and that, for me, is something we can hold on to. He had grown up into a wonderful young man, who enjoyed life and made the people around him happy.”

George Zographou with Jamie McCombe (Image: Family)

Nicole said: “I could turn to him and, especially in the last year, he became my closest confidant and someone I could speak to about things we never had before.